If you watch sports, chances are, you’ve seen some of the athletes wear those knee-high socks that pull up over the calf. Those are compression socks and they’re very popular among athletes, as they improve blood flow by applying a graduated pressure from the ankles that slowly dissipate as it rises up the leg. This results in improved oxygen flow and faster recovery, making it extremely useful not just for athletes, but also anyone who spends a good amount of the time on their feet.
These are some of the best compression socks you can get today.
Dr. Motion Solid Copper-Infused Compression Socks
This mild compression sock (8 to 15 mmHg) offers all-day comfort, making it a great choice for folks who want the benefits of compression socks as part of their daily attire. Its heels, toes, and soles are all infused with copper ions to help control any inflammation, assist healing, and promote softer skin, while an innovative footbed ensures high levels of comfort, whether you spend the whole day standing, sitting, or somewhere in between.
Swiftwick Aspire Seven
If you prefer something shorter than the knee-high compression sock, this style delivers the same firm support, while being less attention-grabbing than its knee-high counterparts. Designed for cycling, it wraps around the contours of your feet and ankles, applying its pressure evenly to support the arch and reduce foot fatigue. It has a thin profile to ensure it can slide into your cycling footwear with a barely-there feel, while the moisture-wicking signature fiber keeps your feet cool and dry through the longest rides. Other features include a seamless toe box, a Y-shaped heel that provides a snug feel, and a mesh footbed for increased breathability.
Shock Doctor Elite SVR Compression Recovery
These socks deliver a targeted compression using a contoured knit puts more pressure where it’s needed and less where it isn’t, ensuring performance-enhancing muscle support, whether you’re spending the day deep in training or you’re still recovering from the day before. It pairs that with specialty yarns blended for comfort and odor control, as well as an innovative footbed that delivers added traction when you’re on the move.
Tracksmith Speed Crew Sock
If you’re familiar with Tracksmith, then you already know these mid-height socks are made for running. Specifically, it’s designed to provide the support necessary for longer runs, with its light compression applying just the right amount of squeeze to ensure optimal blood flow, no matter how much distance you cover. On top of that, it has micro-cushioning in the heel and achilles to shield them when brushing up against the shoe, while a contoured arch provides a close fit through every step and stride.
Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks
Like many compression socks, these are designed to support you during active days, whether you spend them hiking, training, or exploring a new city. Except, these are made using a toasty merino wool blend, making them ideal for wearing during winter and other chillier days of the year. It offers a gentler 15 to 20 mmHg compression level, so it feels supportive without being too tight, while added cushion through the arch and soles provide additional foot comfort.
Bombas Performance Compression Socks
Designed for running, cycling, and other forms of physical training, these socks deliver a 20 to 30 mmHg compression level that stays snug on your feet, giving it a tight-fitting support that makes a massive difference in comfort. It also features the outfit’s signature arch support that cradles and hugs the midfoot. On top of that, it comes in a variety of patterns and colors that add a delightful dose of style to any outfit.
CEP Ski Thermo Merino Tall Compression Socks
This is one of the more expensive compression socks you can get. For the price, however, you can get an activating compression based on CEP parent company Medi’s medical compression technology, which it pairs with a fabric made from a toasty merino blend to ensure your feet stay warm and dry. According to the outfit, each sock encircles your foot and leg muscles more than 300 times in a graduated compression, while padding on the shin and ankle bones add much-needed cushion. This is designed for skiing, by the way, although we have a feeling it will wear well through most any cold weather activity. Luckily, it’s also guaranteed for 180 washes without losing any of its pressured fit, ensuring you can use it many times over.